Director of Marketing and Communications, Veterinary Medicine

Job DescriptionThe Director of Marketing and Communications for the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (VMCVM) is responsible for developing, planning, executing, and measuring a comprehensive, strategic marketing and communications program for VMCVM and aligning those activities with university-level communications, marketing, branding priorities, and initiatives. The marketing and communications program led by the Director will embody and reflect the VMCVM’s core values, principles, strategic goals and priorities, and VMCVM’s unique attributes and offerings that contribute to the broader understanding of Virginia Tech.In support of a successful marketing and communications program for VMCVM and the university, the Director will collaborate with and/or be a part of several teams, including the VMCVM’s Dean and senior leadership group; the VMCVM’s advancement team (including marketing and communications, alumni engagement and referring practitioner relations, and development); marketing and communications directors in other colleges and units across the university; and colleagues in the Advancement and Marketing and Communications divisions, among others. The Director collaborates with university leadership, faculty, staff, students, alumni, friends, grateful clients, and external partners to support marketing and communications initiatives.Currently, the Director directly leads and supervises a team of four marketing and communications professionals, providing performance planning and evaluation, direction, support, and professional development opportunities. In addition, the Director works with VMCVM department heads and teaching hospital administration to align marketing and communications work to both VMCVM and university priorities.Elements of a comprehensive and strategic marketing and communications program for VMCVM will include a wide range of tactics and strategies, including communications plans, news and feature stories, speeches for VMCVM leadership, message alignment, marketing campaigns, media relations and pitches, publications, photography and videography, social media, advertising, and similar items. Specific platforms include websites, news and information websites, email newsletters, and social media channels that support the VMCVM. The Director will have a strong record of progressive experience in today's marketing and communications fields, including the development and implementation of a strategic, comprehensive marketing and communications program; evidence of strong communications, interpersonal, presentation, and marketing skills; and proficiency in using word processing, image processing, content management system, and social media tools. The ideal candidate will also have experience leading a team of marketing and communications professionals; a strong understanding of effective graphic design and branding principles and the use of the Internet as a medium of communication; and the ability to manage multiple and competing priorities in a dynamic environment.This position supports VMCVM and university initiatives in Blacksburg, Roanoke, and the greater Washington, D.C. metro area, including the three teaching hospitals in Blacksburg, Roanoke, and Leesburg, Virginia. The Director is designated as emergency personnel. The position is based at the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg, Virginia. The position reports to both the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, Virginia Tech, and the Assistant Dean of Advancement of VMCVM.Key Responsibilities: Develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive, strategic marketing and communications plan that supports VMCVM and university’s mission and integrates university and VMCVM priorities. Oversee and manage the creation of high-quality, engaging content, and create such content, for VMCVM and university digital and print platforms that effectively communicates VMCVM’s and the university’s vision, mission, and achievements to key audiences. Ensure that VMCVM content is consistent with the university brand and standards such as editorial, messaging, and graphic design guidelines. Exercise oversight of all marketing and communications activities throughout VMCVM. Leverage metrics to gauge the effectiveness of marketing and communications strategies and make data-informed decisions to improve marketing and communications efforts. Collaborate with various teams, including the VMCVM advancement team, the VMCVM leadership team, the Council of the senior-most marketing and communications professionals from colleges and units across campus, university communicators, Marketing and Communications, and others. Oversee the quality of VMCVM content as an editor for content across various platforms, including websites, social media, newsletters, reports, promotional materials, and more. In collaboration with the university’s media relations team, develop and manage a comprehensive media relations program targeting strategic regional, trade, and national media outlets.Required QualificationsMaster's degree in communications, journalism, or related field; or bachelor's with experience equating to an advanced degreeDemonstrated ability to develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive, strategic marketing and communications programAbility to define goals and objectives, identify target audiences, and measure progress toward communications and marketing goalsDemonstrated strong communications, leadership, and interpersonal skillsFamiliarity with a range of communications principles including messaging, graphic design, visual communications, branding, marketing, advertising, electronic communications, and social mediaAbility to be self-motivated and capable of working in a complex matrix management environmentPreferred QualificationsFamiliarity with veterinary medicine teaching and research techniques and ability to communicate highly technical content to a general audienceDemonstrated experience supervising communications professionalsExperience in executing marketing initiatives and the analysis and application of market research, in a veterinary medicine, medical school, hospital, or higher education settingExperience working with business/industry, alumni engagement, or development initiativesDemonstrated budgetary supervision experienceExperience in a higher education, independent school, scientific organization, or nonprofit environmentStrong skills using technology in the workplace, familiarity with content management systems and email platforms; social media competenciesSignificant prior communications experience writing and producing publications, developing and placing stories with external media, and collaborating with medical professionalsOvertime StatusExempt: Not eligible for overtimeAppointment TypeRegularSalary Information$95,000–$110,000Hours per week40+Review DateNovember 15th, 2026Additional InformationSafe driving record.Regional and national travel occasionally required for the purposes of communications work, which may include overnights and weekends.Must have the ability and willingness to travel utilizing standard, commercial, and/or personal modes of transportation.Ability to work nights and weekends, and participation in college or university programs when possible.The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.About Virginia TechDedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Advancement HR at View email address on click.appcast.io during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.